Wednesday, May 26, 2010

DIY Culinary School

Because of the recent virus going around the school called Fifth Disease, I've been parkin' it safely at home for the baby's sake. The past few weeks I have been going to culinary school. I stand up, turn on the Food Network, and soak it all in. Who needs to go and pay for a cooking education when I can get it for free everyday! But seriously, I get so many cooking and baking tips from just watching a little (or a lot depending on the day). And they work! For example:

1) Baking is so much better when everything is at room temp. Okay, except in pastries.
2) Roasting veggies gives them better flavor than boiling, and all you need is olive oil, salt, and pepper (and a little parm. cheese doesn't hurt).
3) The combination of olive oil AND butter is best when cooking on a pan because together they control burning. Plus, butter means flavor!
4) Meat needs to rest after cooking/grilling. If not, it loses its juices!
5) Pasta needs a LOT more salt than you think to cook in.
6) Cook it less, and season it more.
7) Quality ingredients really do make a difference.
8) Cook with love.

Etc., etc...

I even get exercise tips. Ina (my favorite) just informed me that grating cheese is exercise. If so, I'm in great shape!

3 comments:

Colby and Steph said...

Love it..I'm also a fan of Food Network. Isn't it great being able to stay home. Hope everything is going well with you and the baby. I am so excited for you.

Breanne said...

A baby!! I am so happy and excited for you! Reading your post about the food network took me back to your good cookin' freshman year. Now that I am trying to figure out how to cook for my family, I think of you often. Like when I am making chicken enchiladas I feel the need to put butter on the tortillas before filling them. A little trick I learned from you! Good luck with the babe. I loved having a baby in October.

JoSue said...

Ina WOULD say that. Sometimes I don't know about her....:) I love this post. In fact, I think you should do more cooking posts. Post recipes, tricks, tips, etc... You're more talented than you give yourself credit for!